Alpheus

/ælˈfiːəs/ noun

Definition

A river in Greek mythology that flows underground; also, the name of a genus of snapping shrimp in modern zoology.

Etymology

From Greek mythology and the ancient Alpheus River in Greece; the genus name in zoology references Greek traditions of naming organisms after mythological places and figures.

Kelly Says

The Alpheus shrimp is absolutely incredible—it has one claw that snaps so loudly (up to 210 decibels!) that it creates a shock wave that stuns fish, making it the loudest animal relative to its size!

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